2017 KTM RC390 review, test ride

In 2014, we saw the dawn of the RC era from KTM. These single-cylinder motorcycles were punching way above their weight limits. They invoked a sense of hooliganism in anyone that decided to straddle these machines. It was that perfect combination of raw performance, aggressive and unique styling, and really sharp handling that made the RC series really stand out. For 2017, KTM has refreshed the RC siblings; the RC200 gets some minor changes, while the RC390 gets some more substantial changes.

The smaller sibling in the RC range gets a set of new graphics and a BS-IV compliant engine. A short spin on the 2017 RC200 revealed that this motorcycle remains relatively unchanged, although the new graphics do lend a breath of freshness to the motorcycle.

Where the major chunk of changes has happened is with the RC390. While the slipper clutch has been carried over from the 2016 model, the 2017 model also gets ride-by-wire technology, revised graphics, a revised exhaust unit, improved brakes, and a Euro-IV compliant engine. But how does all this translate into the real world?

As with the RC200, the new graphics on the RC390 really add to the sporty and aggressive look of the motorcycle; if that was even possible. The bright orange of the inner fairing, the added dash of colour to the tail end, and the revised decals are quite striking and really make the motorcycle stand out. And let's not forget, thanks to the new side-slung exhaust, the new RC390 also gets a revised belly-pan. This new belly-pan is less bulbous than before, and its new, narrower design addresses the issue on the older motorcycle where the belly-pan would scrape the ground during hard cornering. With this new design, you can expect the foot-pegs to scrape the ground before the belly-pan does.